‘We are being hit hard’ – town reacts to triple closure threat

Last week it was revealed that Dereham’s Post Office was under threat of closure as part of cost cutting measures across the organisation.

It comes as Toftwood Medical Centre could also be axed at the end of March next year when NHS Norfolk and Waveney’s contract with the practice expires. 

It also follows in the wake of CDS buying Homebase after it went into administration, with fears the Dereham branch could close.

News of the Post Office facing possible closure was announced last week (Image: Denise Bradley) The triple blow has been met with dismay by people in the town.

Anthony Ramm, 66, said Dereham’s future “is bleak”. 

Anthony Ramm is empathetic to the staff that these decisions could affect (Image: Denise Bradley) He said: “The high streets everywhere are closing and it feels like we’re being forced to move online but then nothing else can compete anymore.” 

Peter Alexander feels the same way and is especially empathetic for those who work at the and rely on the Post Office.

Peter Alexander says Dereham’s future is bleak (Image: Denise Bradley) He said: “It’ll be a pain before Christmas and I feel sorry for the staff mostly of these places that are closing. Pensioners will get hit especially.”

Sheila Marston, in her 70s, said: “It’s a downward spiral”.

She said: “The more that leaves the town, the less there is to keep people visiting.”

Sheila Marston said what is happening to the town is very sad (Image: Denise Bradley) Clare Young, 50, was frustrated by the news about the Post Office as the barber shop, where she works, relies on it for cash withdrawals.

“I work at the barbers and we come to the Post Office to get change but what are we going to do if we can’t do that anymore?”

Clare Young wants to see services replaced as the town continues to grown (Image: Denise Bradley) Mrs Young added: “The town isn’t friendly anymore and there are more houses being built but no services being replaced.”

For the more independent entrepreneurs, like Jessica Coxon who owns Goodie Box, footfall in the town is crucial to the success of her business. 

Jessica Coxon said the news is frustrating (Image: Denise Bradley) The 34-year-old said: “I can’t afford a rented shop room so we have to keep coming to market days. 

“We don’t have a lot of attractions in the town so it’s becoming harder to get a greater footfall and it might not be intentional but Dereham is being the hardest hit.”

Richard Bunning has noticed the impact in the town’s high street (Image: Denise Bradley) Richard Bunning, who also has a stall on the market, believes the high street has become “generally quieter”. 

“Dereham’s worse than others and when car parking charges are introduced that will also have an impact on people visiting.”